Where to go to the sea in winter? Top 9 destinations

Winter in Russia can be brutal. Snowstorms, snowdrifts, cold. Sometimes I want a little summer, at least for a few days. See palm trees at least with a peep and swim in the sea for at least a couple of minutes. In Russia in winter you can not go to the sea, only abroad with hourly flights, but is it not worth it? We decided to find out where to go in the winter, and how much it costs.

9. Cuban happiness in winter in Cuba

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Brazilian tropics: winter holidays in Brazil

Brazil remains one of the most attractive tourist countries in the world. Many go not only to look at the huge statue of Jesus, taste Brazilian coffee and watch football, but also to see the picturesque waterfalls of Iguazu, go shopping and get acquainted with the national cuisine.

Speaking of kitchen. For Russian dishes can be very spicy, so eat carefully. One of the popular is "takaka no tukupi" - a national dish in the form of pasta with sauce and cassava flour with the addition of shrimp and astringent fruit jumbo. It is also worth eating stewed turtle "guasado de Tartaruga", lobster in coconut milk and "carne de Sol" - sun-dried meat with salt.

Since we are talking about the sea, it is worth mentioning the snow-white paradise beaches of Rio de Janeiro, drowning in bright carnivals, modern skyscrapers and scorching sun. The sea is open almost all year round for swimming, you can dive and go scuba diving. In addition to a beach holiday, Rio offers many exciting excursions. In the National Park you can admire the 72-meter-high falling cascades of Iguazu water, and going to the top of Mount Corcovado you can see the majestic Jesus and the whole city in the palm of your hand. Petropolis is a city built by Don Pedro II in 1829 that offers a walk through the imperial chambers and viewing rare collectibles. The pearl of a Brazilian holiday is a trip to the Amazon jungle: birds of paradise, exotic animals, rich tropical nature, everything is like a picture.

How to get there: You can fly to South America by plane after spending more than 22 hours on the road. Most often, airlines offer a flight with a transfer in Europe, while a one-way ticket can be spent from 66 to 100 thousand rubles one way. However, there is a cheap way to get to Rio. The American company Delta sells the cheapest tickets from Moscow to Rio (from 37,000 rubles), but flights usually dock in the United States, so a US visa is required for the flight. On the other hand, Delta can get on sale and buy tickets from 20 to 25 thousand rubles Alitalia and British Airways sell tickets to Rio from Moscow from 40 thousand rubles, and TAP Portugal from 50 thousand rubles one way. From St. Petersburg to Rio de Janeiro to get a little cheaper: Delta can fly for 45 thousand rubles. in both directions. Lufthansa, Swiss and AirFrance set prices from 60 thousand rubles for a one-way ticket.

Where to stay: Rio de Janeiro offers accommodation in hotels for every taste, while paying attention to reviews, because with the same star, the conditions can be different. So, in a hotel completely without stars and with one star, the room will cost 2.5-3 thousand rubles per person per day, rooms in two and three stars begin from 4 thousand rubles, four stars will cost 7-9 thousand rubles per night, but five can be removed for at least 10 thousand rubles.

The approximate cost of the tour per person: since in late December in Brazil celebrates the New Year, and in February there is a carnival, tickets for this time are the most expensive. The cost of a 7-day or 10-day tour starts from 75 thousand rubles per person, while for 13 days you can fly to Rio for 105 thousand rubles.

Duration: 7-13 days.

What to take with you: first take care of the documents, you will need a visa and a passport, on the plane you will need to fill out a migration card and customs declaration, see in advance what equipment and things are taxed when importing and exporting from the country. Also, you will need free cash, so exchange rubles for reals in advance (the rate for winter 2018 will be about 18.5-19 rubles.). it is better to take funds from mosquitoes, sunscreen and burns with you. In the jungle it is better to walk in closed, but light clothes and not wet shoes. Take a headdress, swimsuit, towel and summer clothes with you on the trip. The Ministry of Health recommends vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, yellow fever and malaria in advance. We also recommend taking vitamins to prevent vitamin deficiency, because the average temperature in Brazil in winter is kept at +27 degrees.

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Tropical Paradise – a winter holiday in the Dominican Republic

The period from January to March is considered the most comfortable holiday in the Dominican Republic. First, the high season begins here, the air temperature warms up to 28 degrees in the shade, and the weather is excellent. Secondly, the humpback whales migrate, watching this event is very exciting and exciting.

The Dominican Republic offers several resorts: Punta Cana, Boca Chica, Juan Dolio, Samana, Puerto Plata and La Romana, you can choose depending on what you expect from the holiday. Since we are talking about whales, the best place to watch them is the resort of Samana. This place is considered the most romantic among other resorts. In addition to a beach holiday, you can go on excursions to caves and waterfalls or go on an extreme journey. Of the attractions can also be noted the Los Haitises National Park with several species of exotic plants and rare tropical birds. On the islands near the resort, you can dive, watching the ocean beauty. Boca Chica, Juan Dolio and La Romana are suitable for lovers of peaceful rest and tranquility, these are places with beautiful landscapes, the possibility of relaxation and diving. Among Russian tourists, the place of Punta Cana is gaining popularity, so there are a lot of Russians here, but youth parties often take place, and in general nightlife is boiling. Fans of surfing will suit Puerto Plata with large waves.

If you want to go on excursions to museums and cultural places, then choose a trip to the capital of the Republic of Santo Domingo, the city is densely populated and not clean, but is the concentration of most of the cultural heritage of the country.

How to get there: if you prefer to travel independently, then be prepared for the fact that you will have to fly to the republic with a transfer from 20 hours and 50,000 rubles per person in one direction. Flights fly through European and American cities, so you will need a visa for this country.

Where to stay: prices for hotels in the Dominican Republic differ depending on the chosen resort, the comfort of the hotel and the distance from the beach, in a couple of kilometers the hotel can be found for 3-3.5 thousand rubles per day in the room, at the beach itself the cost of rooms starts from 10 000 rubles.

The approximate cost of the tour per person: it will be more profitable to go to the Dominican Republic on a tour, the cost of vouchers for 5-7 days starts from 60,000 rubles per person, and a 10-day tour can be purchased for 80-85 thousand rubles.

Duration: 5-10 days.

What to take with you: Russians in the Dominican Republic can stay without a visa for 30 days, so only a passport is required from the documents (if you travel on a ticket). Bring light things, shoes, headdress, towel, swimsuit and sunburn remedies. We recommend stocking up on vitamins A, C and E as a prevention of acclimatization. Also, exchange cash rubles for Dominican pesos in advance, the rate for the winter of 2017 will be about 1.2-1.5 rubles per unit.

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Mexican New Year: Mexico in Winter

Russian autumn and winter - the best time to travel to Mexico, from October in the country comes the dry season, the temperature does not fall below +30 degrees, and from the ocean blows a pleasant wind. In summer, the rainy season comes here, and the trip becomes less attractive. In winter, Mexico is somewhat colder, it is better to travel in the southern part of the country, but the temperature for the Russian is kept at comfortable marks of the Moscow summer.

Beach holidays in Mexico are possible at several resorts. Cancun is located near the charming and dangerous Black Coral Reef, where you can dive and admire the natural beauty. Famous for the popular hit Acapulco offers a chic holiday for the wealthy, Playa del Carmen attracts a national park with archaeological values.

You can relax in Mexico not only on the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, the country has acquired a rich culture during its short history. Guides will offer you many fascinating excursions to cities and surroundings, introduce you to the culture of the Aztecs and Mayans. Be sure to visit the Mexican pyramids, their secrets and mysteries are not inferior to the Egyptian.

Mexico City, as the capital of the state, offers to go on a trip to museums, sights of the city, walk on holidays with locals and try national dishes (tortillas, quesadillas, tacos) in numerous cafes. In winter, you can go on profitable shopping, prices here are much lower than summer.

How to get to Mexico directly from Moscow will not work, flights are offered only with transfers. Airlines Aeromexico and JetBlue offer the most profitable tickets from 40,000 rubles one way, you will have to fly for at least 18 hours with a transfer in New York. However, a transfer means that you must have a visa to the United States.

Where to stay: in Mexico you can stay in a hotel, prices start from 6000 rubles per room per person and depend on the star of the hotel and the distance from the beach.

The approximate cost of the tour per person: for 7 days in Mexico on a ticket you can go for 50 000 rubles per person, 9 and 11 days you can find from 65 000 rubles per person.

Duration: 7-11 days.

What to take with you: from the documents you will need a passport. A very important point is to bring an adapter for charging your phone, the voltage of the local network differs from the Russian one and is 110 V. Do not forget to take light things, comfortable light shoes, headdress, towel and swimsuit, tanning and sunburn remedies. We also recommend taking a set of vitamins A, C and E with you to avoid problems with acclimatization. Take free cash, in advance rubles can be exchanged for dollars or Mexican pesos (the rate for winter 2018 will be about 3.2-3.3 pesos per ruble).

Tours to Mexico		Mexican guides
Buy a plane ticket		Excursions in Mexico

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Rest in Thai resorts - in winter in Thailand

Thailand welcomes tourists all year round, however, not all seasons to relax in the country is comfortable. In Pattaya, Koh Chang and Bangkok, you can relax in winter, meeting the New Year holidays in the tropics, from November to February is the best time to travel, as the weather is pleasant, and the sea is relatively clean.

Pattaya attracts tourists with its pleasant prices and direct flights from Russia. Many beaches are heavily polluted due to the abundance of people, so we recommend going to the beaches of the small island of Koh Lan, which can be reached in 30 minutes by ferry. There are not many people there, so it is much cleaner. If you do not like noisy companies, you can stay somewhere on the outskirts of the city. If you prefer to travel independently, then Koh Chang is an island 5-6 hours from Bangkok by transport and 30 minutes by ferry. The island features clean beaches and wildlife. And if the resorts mainly involve a club or beach holiday, and excursions are mainly in the jungle, then a trip to Bangkok is a fascinating excursion to many beautiful Buddhist temples. The Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Temple of the Morning Dawn, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, Kaosan Street, shopping centers, markets and tropical parks, do not visit for a whole month.

How to get there: all the above resorts can be reached by transport from Bangkok, and to Bangkok to fly from Moscow in 2 hours 25 minutes and at least 27 000 rubles one way.

Where to stay: Pattaya, Koh Chang and Bangkok offer accommodation in hotels from 3.5 thousand rubles per day in a room per person. The price depends on the comfort level of the hotel and the distance from the beach, if it is Pattaya or Koh Chang.

The approximate cost of the tour per person: in winter, you can fly to Thailand for 33 000 rubles for 7 days and 38 000 rubles for 11 days.

Duration: 7-11 days.

What to take with you: from the documents you will need a passport. A Russian can stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without a visa. Be sure to exchange cash rubles for Thai bahts in advance (the rate in winter 2018 will be about 1.74-1.8 rubles per unit). You can also pay by Visa or MasterCard bank card, automatic conversion occurs when paying. On the trip you will need light things, headgear, towels, swimsuit, tanning and sunburn remedies.

Tours to Thailand		Guides of Thailand
Buy a plane ticket		Tours of Thailand

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In the cradle of civilization – winter vacation in India

Indian civilization is one of the oldest in the modern world. In the days of the Dravidians – up to the III century BC, India was in many ways not inferior and even surpassed the Egyptian civilization. The country has a special culture, cuisine, traditions and way of life, so it is very interesting to study the country, the word gets into another world. During the Russian winter in India also comes winter and lasts from November to March. During this period it is not as hot as in summer, the temperature in the northern regions can drop to +10 degrees and below zero, but in the south it is not hot, but warm and dry.

If you plan to go to Bollywood’s homeland in winter, the best regions to visit are Goa, Kerala and Karnataka. Goa is still one of the most popular states, so be prepared for a lot of vacationers. Nevertheless, a holiday in Goa will bring you a lot of impressions. The beaches of the Arabian Sea are distinguished by their picturesque, bright dawns and romantic sunsets. You can dive to great depths even without a suit, as the water warms up very well and explore the sunken during the Second World Ship. In salons you can find a real Indian massage at a good price, and from masters to learn yoga. Be sure to visit the markets, as for ridiculous money you can buy a variety of goods, it is best to pay attention to spices, jewelry and fabrics. Guides offer fascinating excursions to the beautiful Dudhsagar Falls on jeeps through the Mahavir Reserve.

Despite the popularity of Goa Kerala, according to National Geographic, it is one of the ten paradises in the world. Many tourists write that Kerala is a much more colorful and interesting state in terms of excursions. For many kilometers there are tea plantations, where you can learn the history of tea Indian traditions and buy several species at home. Due to the state’s communal regime, it did not become as developed as Goa, but it retained its originality, and there are relatively few tourists here. You can go on a trip to two national parks - Periyar and Eraviculam, you are waiting for picturesque views, tropics, numerous tropical animals and birds, sanctuaries of elephants and tigers.

Karnataka is actively developing in terms of providing tourist services. Today, the state with the capital Bangalore offers many options for recreation. These are picturesque beaches, on which there are relatively few tourists, numerous excursions to cultural places: waterfalls, temples, Indian statues, ancient villages.

How to get there: there is only one airport to Goa, so charter flights fly here most often, ticket prices because of this can be slightly higher, however, if you prefer to travel independently, you can fly first from Moscow to Mumbai (fly about 7 hours and from 16,000 rubles for a one-way ticket), and from Mumbai already fly about an hour to Dabolim (one-way ticket is about 2-3 thousand rubles). To Kerala will also have to fly with a transfer: from Moscow through a docking in Dubai (fly 11-12 hours to the state capital) or through a docking in New Delhi, Doha or Abu Dhabi, a ticket in total will cost about 16 thousand rubles. You can fly from Moscow to Bangalore with a transfer in Almaty, Dubai or Delhi, the ticket will cost from 18 000 rubles, the journey time will be from 14 hours.

Where to stay: it is best to stay in a hotel, prices in different states vary slightly. So one or two star hotels in Goa will cost from 2000 rubles per person per room per day, three stars will cost 4-5 thousand rubles, and a room in the top five will cost at least 9 thousand rubles. Hotels in Kerala can be found for very little money - from 800 rubles per night in the room, while with good quality services. Three stars in Bangalore will cost 1200-3000 rubles per day per person, four stars - 3-4 thousand rubles. And five stars can be found for 4-5 thousand rubles.

The approximate cost of the tour per person: 7 days in Goa can be spent on a ticket from 25-30 thousand rubles per person (2-3 stars hotel), tours to Kerala start at 35 000 per person for 7 days of vacation, and in Bangalore prices start from 40 thousand per person for 8 days of tour.

Duration: 7-8 days.

What to take with you: from the documents you will need a passport, as well as an exit document that you will need to receive on arrival (to obtain a completed and certified visa application form, which is certified online 4 days before departure, a color photo on any carrier up to 300 kb, copies of pages of a Russian passport and a Visa or MasterCard card with an open account for a visa fee of $ 60). If you are going to stay in the country for no more than 30 days, then you will need a visa. Girls and women should remember that anywhere in India, except Goa, you should cover your shoulders and knees and not wear tight clothes. Take with you light summer clothes, comfortable open shoes, headdress, towel, swimsuit, tanning and sunburn remedies. Electricity is not uncommon in India, so take a portable charger and extension cord to charge your phone. It is advisable to have English and Hindi phrase books with you, as well as cash Indian rupees exchanged in advance in a bank.

Tours to India
Buy a plane ticket

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Holidays on tropical islands - in winter in the Philippines

The Philippine Islands repeatedly occupy the best positions in the tops of paradise places of influential tourist resources. It is not surprising, because the nature of the islands is rich in a variety of flora and fauna, the service is able to satisfy the most strict tourist, and you can relax cheerfully and diversely, surfing, diving, climbing the tops of the mountains and descending into the caves.

The islands are located in Southeast Asia in the Pacific Ocean. The terrain is mountainous with the highest point - the active volcano Apo (about 3 km). There are about forty volcanoes on the islands, but only 18 of them are active, however, it is safe to rest on the islands. Almost half of the territory is covered with jungles, where you can build unique plants for the Philippines, for example, 700 species of orchids that grow only here.

From October to February, the dry season comes here, the air temperature is kept at an average level of +28 degrees, so the Russian winter is the most ideal time to travel to the islands. Among the excursions in the Philippines, you can choose a trip to volcanoes, waterfalls and be sure to visit an excursion to whale sharks. The tour will cost $ 100-200 per person, there are many Russian-speaking guides on the islands.

How to get there: you will not be able to fly directly from Moscow to Manila, the Philippine capital. Connection flights fly through Beijing, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong and Guangzhou. The average travel time will be 11-12 hours, and tickets can be found for 20-25 thousand rubles per person in one direction, and the average ticket price is 35-40 thousand rubles.

Where to stay: The Philippines offers hotels of various comforts - two and three stars can be found for 1.5-2 thousand rubles per person, fours and fives can be withdrawn from 5000 rubles per person per room per day.

The approximate cost of the tour per person: prices for tours to the Philippines start from 50,000 rubles per person for 6 days of stay (flight + hotel), 8 days to relax on the islands can be for 82,000 rubles, 13 days will cost 124,000 per person.

Duration: 6-13 days.

What to bring with you: If you decide to travel to the Philippines on your own, be prepared for the fact that you will need a transit visa for the country where the transfer will take place. To enter the country, you will need a completed migration card, a passport valid for another 6 months after arrival in the country, proof of solvency and a return ticket to Russia. If you are traveling through a tour operator, you will only need a passport. We recommend you to read the rules of import and export in advance. The currency of the Philippines is the Philippine peso, in advance it is better to exchange rubles for cash pesos in the bank, you can pay with Visa or MasterCard bank cards, when paying, the currency is automatically converted.

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African safari in winter in Kenya

Many people think that it is impossible to relax in Africa because of the heat, in fact during the Russian winter in Kenya from January to March there is a dry season, and the temperature is lower than in summer – an average of about +26 degrees. Kenya is a poor country, but this does not affect the safe rest of tourists, on the contrary, travelers are loved and try to receive at the highest level possible for Kenya. Moreover, the contrast between poverty and our country is a useful experience, to see that we are still doing well.

Nevertheless, Holidays in Kenya in winter are a pleasure.. If you prefer a beach holiday - at your service are the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean. But the most attractive entertainment for tourists is, of course, safari. Just imagine, you get on a jeep and devote 2-3 days to exploring the African fauna. Lions, rhinos, panthers, buffaloes and other animals will be in front of you as in the palm of your hand in their natural environment. Overnights usually take place in comfortable hotels, and a trip to Africa begins in the morning. There are a choice of trips to several parks, the most famous and largest is the Masai Maro, in which you can see not only animals, but also birds, admiring the large lake - a haven of pink flamingos.

One of the most interesting excursions is a trip to Mount Kilimanjaro. Travel for those who are not afraid of weather conditions, because during the ascent of almost 5 km you have to cross several climatic zones and from the desert heat to be in the snowy mountains with sub-zero temperatures. You can also walk around the local settlements, learn how Africans live and taste unusual cuisine.

How to get there: the capital of Kenya Nairobi can only be reached with transfers. From Moscow, flights fly through Doha and Istanbul, tickets can be found from 16 thousand rubles. in one direction, travel time is 8.5 hours.

Where to stay: three-star hotels offer rooms from 3000 rubles per day per person, four and five stars can be found for 7-10 thousand rubles.

The approximate cost of the tour per person: tours to Kenya are sold not so often, but are not very expensive, in winter in Kenya you can relax for 30 000 rubles 5 days and 40 000 rubles 14 days, the price includes flight and hotel accommodation.

Duration: 5-14 days.

What to take with you: from the documents you will need a passport and a visa, which can be issued through the Embassy of the country in Moscow. Kenya is not a safe country in terms of tropical diseases, so in Russia, you should get vaccinations against yellow fever, malaria, hepatitis A, tetanus and polio before traveling. If you plan to swim in the ocean, do not forget to wear special shoes that protect against extremely unpleasant sea urchins. Remember that it is forbidden to shoot military objects and people in uniform, it is better for local residents to also ask if they can be photographed. Take with you means with maximum protection from the sun, sunburn, headgear, light clothing, towel and swimsuit, light and comfortable shoes. Take free cash with you, rubles for Kenyan shillings can be exchanged at the airport and bank, be sure to take a certificate of exchange. The rate for the winter of 2018 will be about 1.78-1.8 shillings per ruble.

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Vietnamese exoticism - in winter in Vietnam

In winter in Vietnam, it is better to relax in the southern resorts, since in the central and northern parts the weather is noticeably worse, the sea is cold and it rains. From the resorts, it is best to pay attention to Fanthiet and Mui Ne, the weather is mostly sunny, and the average temperature is kept at +28 degrees. Among active entertainment, you can choose water skiing, scooter, parachute behind a boat. You can go on excursions to the giant Reclining Buddha and the Red Canyon. But it is worth remembering that in these resorts a lot of Russians rest, the locals know the language and include songs from the Russian 2000s. If you are not ready for this, then you should consider other resorts.

On the islands of Phu Quoc and Condao, there are many types of VIP holidays, many tourists say that this choice is the best for winter. Condao is the largest island, traditionally considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Here you can find excellent diving schools and secluded wild beaches. From excursions you can go to the former prison for political prisoners, which operated during the French colonization. Phu Quoc allows diving at attractive prices and offers a large selection of cheap pearls.

In Vietnam, you can engage in so-called gastronomic tourism, trying a very unusual cuisine with dishes of snakes and insects. Seafood prices, by the way, in winter are much lower than summer. Russians are advised to try dishes very carefully and stock up on pills to help the stomach. In the New Year holidays in Vietnam there are many festivals, the largest and grandiose - the Lunar New Year, accompanied by fireworks and folk festivals.

How to get there: from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to Phu Quoc and Condao you can fly by Vietnam Airlines, JetStar and VietJet in less than 45 minutes and the ticket price is about $ 100. In Fanthyet and Muin you can also from Ho Chi Minh City, but by bus (tourist from the company or local through the center) or taxi. And to Ho Chi Minh City you can get by plane from Moscow in 9 hours and 35 minutes on a direct flight, the cost of tickets starts from 13,000 rubles per person.

Where to stay: in Fanthyet and Muin, the prices for four-star hotels start from 3000 rubles, and the average cost is 7-8 thousand rubles per person per room per day. Phu Quoc and Condao offer rooms in three stars from 3-5 thousand rubles per day per person.

The approximate cost of the tour per person: tours to Phu Quoc and Condao start from 100,000 rubles for 8 days of rest, Fanthiet and Muine offer vouchers for 56-57 thousand rubles per person for 11 days of rest.

Duration: 7-11 days.

What to take with you: without a visa in the country, a Russian can stay for no more than 15 days, if you do not plan to stay longer, then you do not need a visa to Vietnam, you will only need a passport and round trip tickets. Take with you light clothes, light and comfortable shoes, headdress, tanning and sunburn remedies, swimsuit and towel. Prepare the minimum first aid kit. Take free cash with you for purchases, it is better to exchange rubles in advance in the bank for Vietnamese dongs, the dong to ruble exchange rate for the winter of 2018 will be about 391-391 dong for 1 ruble.

Tours to Vietnam		Guides of Vietnam
Buy a plane ticket		Tours of Vietnam